Dynamics of frontal cortex functional connectivity during cognitive tasks: insights from fNIRS analysis in the Dual n-back Paradigm.

Abstract

The human brain operates as a complex network, and understanding its functional connectivity is a core challenge in neuroscience. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) offers a non-invasive, portable method for studying brain activity and connectivity, providing valuable insights into the brain's network dynamics. In this study, we used fNIRS to examine the functional connectivity of the human brain during the Dual n-back task, a cognitive challenge that varies in memory load (0-back, 1-back, and 2-back). Data were collected from 24 channels in the frontal cortex and pre-processed with discrete wavelet transform. Functional connectivity matrices for each task level were calculated using correlation analysis, and graph theory metrics such as clustering coefficient and local and global efficiency were assessed. Statistical comparisons (t-tests and ANOVA) revealed significant differences in these metrics across memory load levels, with higher memory loads leading to altered brain connectivity patterns (p < 0.05 for clustering coefficient and local efficiency, p < 0.04 for global efficiency). These findings suggest that as cognitive demand increases, the functional connectivity of the brain's frontal network changes, reflecting the dynamic nature of brain activity during complex tasks. This research highlights the potential of fNIRS for exploring brain network functions and has broader implications for understanding cognitive processes and developing neurocognitive diagnostics and interventions.